East Brighton V Chelsea Heights (Hurlingham Park)
Last Saturday was certainly a day to forget for the Vampires and you get the feeling they will come out breathing fire this week. Chelsea Heights will be keen to maintain their four-point buffer over the sixth-placed Panthers and although they should put up a big fight, East Brighton will be too strong at home.
Heatherton V Cheltenham (Ross Street Reserve)
On their performances to date, it’s a pretty safe bet that the Rosellas will be seeing September action this year. I’m tipping them to consolidate their spot in the top four and inflict more pain on the winless Tunners with a convincing win here.
Clayton V East Malvern (Meade Reserve)
East Malvern lost no respect last week despite their six-goal loss to the competition’s benchmark. Close to pinching a spot in the top five, the Panthers are easily the most improved side in the competition and they should be too good for Clayton, who have are winless from their last three starts.
Dingley V Bentleigh (Souter Oval)
Premierships aren’t won in July, but after 10 straight wins the Dingoes are certainly looking like the team to beat this year. Despite Bentleigh’s solid form in recent weeks you would think Dingley should win this one pretty comfortably.
St Kilda City V St Pauls (Peanut Farm)
St Pauls look to have finally hit their straps and are primed for their assault on back-to-back premierships. The Saints, on the other hand, are languishing in ninth with just three wins to their credit in what has been a horror year for them. On form the Doggies will record another big win here.
DIVISION 2 -ROUND 11 Preview
with Jason Barbin
As we move on to Round 11, the race for the final three top 5 spots heats up with 7 of the 10 teams in contention.
Skye vs Springvale Districts (Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve)
This presents as a very interesting game. On one hand Skye have all but sealed a top 2 spot while Springvale is still fighting for their spot in the top spot. If the ladder was to stay the same this is your semi-final match up. A potential finals preview is at hand and the game should be played with high intensity. Springvale can put up big scores but Skye should be too good defensively.
Skye by 21 points
Caulfield vs Mordialloc (Koornang Park Reserve)
With 5 teams snapping at their heels, this is a very important game for Caulfield for their finals aspirations. Only problem is they come up against a Mordialloc side in superb form and don’t look like losing. Caulfield have shown considerable improvement this season and could spring an upset if things go their way. Caulfield have improved but Mordialloc are just too classy.
Mordialloc by 30 points
Oakleigh District vs Murrumbeena (Princess Highway Reserve)
Another Blockbuster game with ladder shaping potential, Oakleigh District take on Murrumbeena at home in what is a must win game for both sides. A win for Oakleigh could see them jump back into the top 4. A loss for either side could just about see their finals hopes dashed. A superior midfield could be match winning for Oakleigh. Game of the Round.
Oakleigh Districts by 19 points
Highett vs Hampton (Turner Road Reserve)
These two teams, who were once allies in the Colts competition, do battle once again as both teams make their push for a finals spot. Both sides suffered disappointing losses in Round 10 and with the stakes high, this game will be a fight till the fat lady sings. Highett should have the advantage in the midfield and their forwards can be very dangerous.
Highett by 14 points
Moorabbin vs Doveton Eagles (Widdop Crescent Reserve)
Moorabbin showed gradual improvement against Murrumbeena in Round 10 but a final quarter comeback wasn’t enough to give them their first taste of victory this season. Doveton have shown they are a dark horse contender for a finals spot and a win against the Roos will have them pushing those above them. The Roos will push them but the Doveton forward line is too superior.
Doveton by 4 points
DIVISION 3-ROUND 12 Preview
with Andrew Paloczi
Lyndale hosts what should be an entertaining round 12 match against Carrum Patterson Lakes. The Pumas will make the Lions work hard, but it will be a significant upset if Lyndale get the points.
Sandown has an away game this week and takes on South Yarra. The Cobras go in as strong favourites.
Dandenong is at home again and plays Ashwood. The Magpies will need to maintain their focus. After beating the top team it would be easy to drop their guard against the bottom-placed Redlegs. The round 3 clash between these sides was an entertaining affair and was in the balance for most of the day, with the Magpies victorious by 14 points. Ashwood should get the job done again this time, but it is not always easy to win the games you are expected to.
Hallam visits Mayfield Reserve to play Mount Waverley. The Mountain Lions will be striving to reassert their previous dominance over the competition and it would take an outstanding performance for the Hawks to win.
Black Rock travels to Barry Simon Reserve to play Endeavour Hills. The Jets should come away with the win against the Falcons.
